2023 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Westchester County

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, the environment is very clean and quiet; a lot of parks and trails that are perfect for outdoor exercises. The people are very friendly and willing to help. It is a nice place for someone who would like to have their children learn under high-quality and competitive education or to just live in a peaceful suburb.... Read 30 reviews

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• Population 4,984

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: Bronxville is a beautiful, walkable village just 15 miles north of midtown manhattan. Sarah Lawrence College and Concordia College border the village of 6,500 residents (1 square mile) which has a highly rated school district located on one campus. The village, which is part of Eastchester, has it's own Mayor, police department, justice court, fire department, library and hospital. The downtown is bustling with restaurants, shops and services (Soul Cycle, Pure Barre, etc) while also catering to the students in the school. Suburb living at its best!... Read 40 reviews

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• Population 6,569

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: My husband & I have lived here since the 60's & raised our children here. It is a great place to raise a family & there are many things in the Town to get involved with. Everything is within an easy walk & the commute into Manhattan takes 30 mins. Because of its location, my husband & I will remain here in our retirement. Hospitals, Doctors, Library, Stores, Malls, Restaurants, Parks, & Country Clubs are all nearby. Another perk to living here is that if you register with the Police Dept & tell them you are a senior they call to check on you. Our Police Dept. is wonderful. Pelham Manor is a beautiful Town, it's safe & our schools are excellent. What's not to Love?... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 5,698

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: The population of Chappaqua is mostly white, Jewish, and rich, although there are relatively significant numbers of Asian families living here. There is not much to do in town, with barely any shops, however, the "Chappaqua Crossing" between Chappaqua and Mount Kisco has more shops and places to go with friends. The school system here, Chappaqua Central School District, is very well put together, with high rankings and test scores. Many kids go to college after high school, and there's a lot of stress on students. Chappaqua has its own train station, and we are around one-hour train ride into New York City.... Read 32 reviews

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• Population 3,062

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  47 reviews

Current Resident: Rye was many things to offer, such as top ranked public education. Rye was a beautiful Main Street, filled with bakeries, hair salons, and different food cuisine. We can’t forget about the nice nature related areas Rye was to offer, Rye Town Park, Marshlands, Rye Nature Center, and a beach. For some extra fun Rye offers playland, a amusement that is family friendly for all ages. Rye offers many other great qualities such as a YMCA and a huge public library.... Read 47 reviews

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• Population 16,459

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Former Resident: TLDR: Nice town, great schools, not much diversity. Used to live in Irvington, attended its schools from 2006-2013. As others have mentioned it's a lovely little town on the Hudson. Features a charming Main Street, parks with great views, and an excellent library among other features. As a student, I felt I received a pretty good education. Most of the teachers were clearly experts in their respective fields, most were friendly. The school and town were mostly made up of white, upper-middle class to wealthy residents, whereas my family was more lower-middle class. Like with any school it was cliquey, but I personally never felt bullied or left out, and was generally on good terms with my classmates. In addition I also participated in the local Boy Scout Troop (Troop 55). During my time there we not only went on camping trips, but also did various community service projects around the town. We also marched in the annual Memorial Day Parade from Main Street School to Memorial Park.... Read 12 reviews

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• Population 6,594

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I’m a high school student at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, NY. I recently moved to Armonk from Harrison, NY about a year ago. So far my experience has gone pretty well. When I first went to Byram Hills they treated me very nicely and invited me to hang out a lot! Byram Hills is a great school, with great academics, with a lot of ambitious students. One con about Armonk though is that there really isn’t any diversity but, I personally think the school could use more diversity. The small town of Armonk has some quaint restaurants like Fortina, and Amore. They have grocery, bagel spot, CVS, a little fish market, two gas stations(etc). If you need to go to stop n shop or target there is one in mount Kisco, which is about 10-15 minutes away, and they have one in white plains with is about 20 minutes away. Armonk is about 45 minutes from the city so you can get the best of both worlds, city life and a more urban life. I am genuinely happy with where I live! Thank you for your time!... Read 8 reviews

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• Population 4,477

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: Great schools, lovely architecture, access to multiple village centers with shops and dining. 35 minutes to midtown Manhattan by train and easy access to hiking and biking just minutes away. Not much ethnic or socioeconomic diversity, but nevertheless a solid sense of community can be found and it is a great place to raise kids. High rents and challenging parking seem to limit the success of the Village’s core commercial district, leading to the loss of Zachy’s and several solid restaurants. For its high property taxes residents get modern and well-appointed schools, well-paid teachers, and a gorgeous newly redesigned public library. Curiously, however, the roads seem comparatively less well-maintained than neighboring jurisdictions. On balance, people move here for the schools, the commute, and property values that are robust to broader economic shocks and mostly seem to move up at a steady clip. Scarsdale has a surprising number of adults residents who grew up here.... Read 35 reviews

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• Population 18,063

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: The Edgemont community offers schools and wonderful acceptance of diversity. The area has great access to NYC via Metro North. Lovely walking trails and a bike path nearby.... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 9,417

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.48 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I love this village. The town plans fun events for residents, the parks and Rex department and library are the best, and the downtown area is really cute. It’s really a dream for families with kids, as well as anyone who prefers a small town vibe (with amazing access to the city to boot). Couldn’t be happier and feel luckier to be here.... Read 21 reviews

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• Population 8,505

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: We moved to Larchmont in 2016 from Brooklyn and could not be happier! Our top 10 reasons for recommending Larchmont: very walkable (our kids now ages 9-12 walk and bike everywhere!), excellent public schools, proximity to the city, beautiful homes with a diversity of architecture and access to both the water and the woods, many great restaurants (by Suburban standards, not Brooklyn!), tons of family friendly community events, decent size international community, friendly, open minded and welcoming community.... Read 17 reviews

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• Population 6,532

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Wonderful small town just outside of NYC the Village of Rye Brook is known for having lots of parks and trees. Part of the larger Town of Rye. There is plenty of shopping, grocery stores, chain coffee shops, pharmacies, bakeries, and many excellent local restaurants, including NYC-quality bagels and lots of fabulous Italian restaurants. Close to additional shopping and a vibrant restaurant scene in neighboring Port Chester. Easy transportation access to I-287, I-95 and the Hutchinson River Parkway which, all have access point in or near Rye Brook. Two Metro-North stations are nearby, Rye and Port Chester. Dedicated local police and fire department. Excellent schools in the Blind Brook School district are the main selling point, as the schools are top ranked in New York State and the country. Single elementary school, single middle school and single high school mean no disruptive “integration” of multiple schools feeding in at difficult middle/high school ages.... Read 21 reviews

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• Population 9,909

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Hartsdale is a PO in Greenburgh, but with that said the main reason you would consider Hartsdale is its proximity to the Metro North and it offers cheaper taxes and housing compared Scarsdale or other nearby towns while still being safe and family friendly. So what's the catch? Schools in Greenbugh are no where near as good as Scarsdale, Bronxville, and Pelham and while they are not terrible they are more in line with New Rochelle, Tuckahoe, Elmsford, and Ossining. White Plains would be the closest metropolis city for nightlife or a 50 minute train to Grand Central or 35-42 minute express when available. Hartsdale takes part in Westchester County's Bicycle Sundays and also has access to the Bronx River Pathway, so walking, running, and biking are plentiful. There are over a handful of restaurants on Hartsdale Ave and all of them are good IMO. Central Ave has tons of shopping. If you don't have kids or don't need top notch schools then Hartsdale is quite the value and a gem.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 2,964

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: I lived in Croton for 30 years, sold my house after a divorce and rent now. The schools are not without some faults, but my two children had wonderful experiences there. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to live here any longer, as the housing market and taxes make it unaffordable.I make 120000 per year and can’t buy a house here!... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 8,289

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Briarcliff is an extremely safe, small town in the suburbs of New York city. I enjoy the access to hiking trails and the outdoors while feeling so safe all of the time. However, it would also be nice if there was more diversity.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 7,587

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Wonderful NYC suburb to grow up in! Amazing access to green spaces, shopping, and access to other surrounding towns. The public schools are really great, rigorous, and helpful. They are inclusive of all students.... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 1,907

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Have lived in Dobbs Ferry for 40 years and raised my kids here. It is a remarkable community for kids, particularly if they are interested in sports and the arts. The local School District is one of the few that offers the International Baccalaureate degree. But the community is not all about the kids. In fact, the number of households in Dobbs Ferry with kids is about 30%. There is a vibrant downtown that makes Dobbs a real village. If I have a concern, it is that the amazing effort that was made between 2000 and 2010 to focus on Dobbs being a more sustainable, diverse, and complete community, which resulted in wonderful projects being developed in the downtown, has generated a group that now complains about anything that is proposed. The projects that have been built have restored older buildings and reinforced the historic character, but now there is a group that seems to complain about anything. Still, they are few, although their loudness brings them too much attention.... Read 30 reviews

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• Population 11,511

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Thornwood, NY since I was 6 years old. I grew up and went to the town's school district and found that they helped tremendously with the students. The town is small, yet quaint. The restaurants in the area are amazing and help the community out when needed. As a babysitter, I have babysat for many families in the area and I can for sure say that this is a safe and friendly are to live and be in!... Read 22 reviews

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• Population 4,375

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: The diversity and level of education is awesome and provides students with so many opportunities. There's five elementary schools within our district, and a single middle and Highschool where all five schools come together and allow us to meet new people and enjoy learning different cultures and life experiences. The community is very open and safe, with everything mostly within walking distance and a beautiful harbor into the Long Island Sound that community members enjoy for walks, picnics, or child friendly activity.... Read 31 reviews

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• Population 19,989

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: I personally have loved residing in Harrison. It is a town where although it has a big population every member is connected one way or another! Schooling here is great and there are many opportunities for every grade level. Additionally, should one live in West Harrison there is a good sense of safety. West Harrison particularly is more of its own town but everyone is friendly and the children are well taken care of! Additionally, commuting through town is easy!... Read 38 reviews

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• Population 28,635

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here for more than 20 yrs and have only the best things to say about the Pville school district. I'm a parent of a teen with special needs and one without. Both have received excellent educations from caring, committed teachers and staff. Pville's proximity to Rock. State Park adds much to love. Numerous trails for running, walking, and horseback riding make the din of modern life fade away...and during the Coronavirus, a relatively (when people wear their masks) safe place to be. While we have a thriving farmer's market, we're still behind in suburban conservation. Too many lawns...not enough wildflowers and native plants. We lack diversity. Too many bland Toll Bros.-type complexes and too little affordable housing to attract a range of people. People are kind here, stepping in when neighbors experience illness, death, or difficulty. Plenty of opp. to volunteer for those who are willing to coach, garden, feed the hungry, etc. Big +...Lucy's for live music!... Read 21 reviews

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• Population 7,469

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Convenient to transportation—railroad station and between two major roadways: i684 & Saw Mill River Parkway, county bus service. Diversity from very rich to blue collar, from young children to seniors, good mix of ethnicities. Excellent municipal services, shops, loads of restaurants, small businesses and big box chains for all needs. Amenities include a large park and fields for all sports, large medical center and extensive medical services centrally located, excellent schools in Bedford Central School District, affordable housing options, excellent library and responsive government. Something for everyone!... Read 24 reviews

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• Population 10,904

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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• Population 2,230

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Cute! We have a beautiful riverfront view (featuring the bridge, which is gorgeous at night), generally nice area, nice shops, and adorable forest spots.... Read 28 reviews

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• Population 11,808

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  200 reviews

Nearby Resident: White Plains is a great city. My favorite part is the amount of diversity and respect held within neighborhoods and people in general. No matter the race, gender, any type of looks, etc, there is no judgement and creates a safe space for everyone to be themselves! The only change I would make would be more different areas to explore. After living here for so long, there aren't a bunch of new places to explore. Overall, a great city.... Read 200 reviews

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• Population 59,452